Entitlement Rant

I belong to a few different horse forums, and one thing I see over and over again, is a sense of entitlement with respect to horses. People feel it is their right to have a horse, to ride that horse, and that the world should provide that for them.

One recent example, was someone complaining that their board was about to go up $70 per month if they didn't take part in the barn lesson program. They didn't want to move though, as the barn was well run, and even with the increase was more affordable than the other barns in the area. People responded to this complaint with comments such as "it is just a cash grab, you should move" and "I would be so pissed off...you should move". Huh? The barn is increasing rates and still cheaper than the other similar facilities? Why shouldn't they price their services competitively? Oh...because it means you have to skip your morning Latte, I see....

Another example is people wanting a well trained horse for free or cheap (but not too old or unsound!), because they love horsies and deserve one for going through the effort of typing the want ad, or replying to an ad. Who cares that someone has put time and effort into training and caring for that horse, and who likely paid good money for the horse...this person deserves the horsey, so you must sell your horse at a price they can afford...and deliver it to!

You wouldn't believe the number of requests I get for a free horse to ride, yet when I suggest they work off a part lease by helping with chores/grooming, I never hear back. Because I should pay to feed and care for a horse so they can ride when convenient rather than let my students have an extra horse to ride?

Or they think 1 hour of their time working in the barn should equal 1 hour of lesson time...um, I don't think so!

And then there are people that try to talk me down in board rates because they can't afford my rates. Again, they are unwilling to work to make up the difference, but they don't want to board somewhere cheaper as they like the heated barn/arena, so I should just give them cheap board because they deserve it.

The other side of the entitlement coin is the people that think because they have a horse, they should be able to ride it. Or if you have a horse, you should let them ride it. It doesn't matter if the horse is unfit, old, or that the rider is extremely overweight, they own the horse, so they should be able to ride it. And god forbid I turn down a student because I don't feel I have a horse able to adequately support their weight without undue risk of injury. If you want to ride and you are overweight, at least go to a gym and work on your fitness before climbing on a horse. The horse does not owe you a ride, and not all horses are suited to carrying extreme weight. Some people get this and limit their activities on the horse until they loose weight, and they join a gym to help them along...but then others just call themselves "fluffy" and say that riding is their exercise...and claim prejudice if they are not allowed to ride or are judged for it.

Horses are expensive, living beings. People who own them have to work to pay for them, (or be lucky enough to be born/marry rich!), work to maintain them, and owe the horse the best chance of long term health/soundness. Boarding stables do not owe it to you to be within your budget; they are a business like any other. Horses do not owe you a ride; they owe you nothing. It was your choice to buy them and to agree to care for them...they had no say in the bargain.

It is sad that not every horse crazy kid can have a horse, but many programs exist to at least allow kids the opportunity to ride without owning a horse, and opportunities are always there for those willing to actually work to achieve their dream....so take responsibility for achieving your dream and stop blaming your parents, the horse seller, the boarding stable, or prejudice against your weight. You are the only one who owes you anything!

Karen